EXHIBIT 18

RE:  Central Power and Light Company
     Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 1993

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     This letter is written to meet the requirements of Regulations S-K calling
for a letter from a registrant's independent accountants whenever there has been
a change in accounting principle or practice.   
     Prior to January 1, 1993, electric revenues were recorded at the time
billings were made to customers on a cycle-billing basis.  Electric
service provided subsequent to billing dates through the end of each
calendar month became part of operating revenues of the next month.  To
conform to industry standards CPL changed its method of accounting to accrue
for estimated revenues for electricity used by customers, but not yet billed.
     A complete coordinated set of financial and reporting standards for
determining the preferability of accounting principles among acceptable
alternative principles has not been established by the accounting profession. 
Thus, we cannot make an objective determination of whether the change
in accounting described in the preceding paragraph is to a preferable method.
 However, we have reviewed the pertinent factors, including those related
to financial reporting, in this particular case on a subjective basis, and
our opinion stated below is based on our determination made in this manner.
     We are of the opinion that the Company's change in method of accounting is
to an acceptable alternative method of accounting, which, based upon the reasons
stated for the change and our discussions with you, is also preferable under
the circumstances in this particular case.  In arriving at this opinion, we
have relied on the business judgment and business planning of your management. 

                                               Very truly yours,



                                               ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.